England train at UCLan ahead of international games

The England Rugby League team has visited the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Sports Arena to prepare for their Autumn International Series.

The squad will spend two days training at UCLan Sports Arena (USA) in preparation for the three nation series against Wales and France.

England’s first game against Wales is at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium this weekend followed by France on 3 November at MS3 Craven Park, Hull. The Series Final will be played at the Salford City Stadium on Remembrance Sunday.

During their two day training camp the squad will use the University’s strength and conditioning suite, which is fully equipped with the new Keiser pneumatic machines and Olympic weight lifting equipment, and train on the arena’s rugby pitches.

"The facilities here are top-class and will help the squad to be fully prepared going into the Autumn International Series.”

Sam Tomkins, English international Wigan Warriors’ full-back and Rugby League Man of Steel 2012, commented: “I’ve visited UCLan Sports Arena several times with Wigan for pre-season fitness testing and now with England. The facilities here are top-class and will help the squad to be fully prepared going into the Autumn International Series.”

Sam is one of several Wigan Warriors players that study part-time at the University on the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning degree as part of an on-going sponsorship deal that UCLan has as the ‘official university’ of the Super League club. The agreement also sees the Warriors benefit with fitness tests and video analysis support from UCLan.

USA will also host the Irish Rugby League Squad next year as they prepare for the Rugby League Word Cup 2013 (RLWC2013).

"It’s fantastic that UCLan will now host two international rugby league teams training camps and continues to work with Wigan Warriors. It’s evidence that the facilities at the arena are of the highest standard and can play a role in international sport.”

UCLan is one of only two universities and the only venue in Lancashire to be chosen as a host venue for the 14 nation tournament that will be held in England and Wales in 2013. UCLan, in partnership with Preston City Council and the Marriott Hotel, beat off tough competition from other venues in the selection process.

Janet Pendlebury, Lancashire Rugby League Development Officer, is based at the University and her unique role is to promote the sport across the county.

She said: "It’s fantastic that UCLan Sports Arena will now host two international rugby league teams’ training camps and continues to work with Wigan Warriors. It’s evidence that the facilities at the arena are of the highest standard and can play a role in international sport.”